Key to a long life is bacon, according to 105-year-old lady

A 105-year-old woman from Richland, Texas says that bacon is the secret to a long life.

Pearl Cantrell has outlived her husband and three of her seven kids and says eating the processed meat, which a recent study suggested could lead to an early death, has kept her healthy and happy.

"I love bacon, I eat it every day," she told local news station KRBC.

Pearl's 105th birthday was celebrated at her old primary school with a three-day party and over 200 guests.

A farmer for most of her life, Pearl said she also still loves dancing and sewing.

"I don't feel as old as I am, that's all I can say."

After hearing Pearl's story, US bacon manufacturer Oscar Meyer made a stop in Richland to wish her a happy birthday, and deliver a huge case of bacon.

She is a living testament to the cured meat, but research doesn't back up her claim.

As well as increasing the risk of early death, a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that each 50 gram daily serving of processed meat such as bacon was associated with a 42 percent higher risk of heart disease and a 19 percent higher risk of developing diabetes.

But the research isn't all bad. A study from the University of Alabama did find that when eaten for breakfast, fatty foods like bacon get your metabolism going for the rest of the day, which then helps burn off later meals and snacks.